2009 Melbourne Poker Championships Kick Off

Posted at 16:59 2009-05-18

The 2009 Melbourne Poker Championships kicked off at Melbourne’s Crown Casino with a bumper field in attendance for the opening events of a busy two week schedule.

While many of the industry’s big names are yet to arrive in town, Melbourne’s local players showed their support for the affordable buy-ins with 498 players turning out for the opening $175 No Limit Hold’em event. This number was more than 35% up from last year’s number of entrants, bucking the trend of the economic gloom.

The action was fast and furious with the bubble bursting after only five hours play. However it would take nearly as long for a champion to be crowned. In the end it was Linas Lenovas who overcame Genaro Catala heads up to collect the trophy and first place prize of $15,000. Not a bad return for a $175 investment!

Final Table Results:

1st Linas Leonovas $15,000

2nd Genaro Catala $11,500

3rd Kerry Stead $8,500

4th Paul Hillis $6,700

5th Robert Potter $5,200

6th Majed Elali $3,800

7th Paul Quattrone $3,000

8th Mariela Stafforini $2,200

9th Paul Gardner $1,400

10th Isaac Lau $900

Those who busted early could get back on the horse with the second event kicking off at 4pm with the $120 PokerPro Pot Limit Omaha event attracting 79 starters. However the trophy and cash are headed overseas with Norwegian visitor Anders Sorensen taking down the title.

Final Table Results:

1st Anders Sorensen $2,370

2nd Gerald Ami $1,580

3rd Michael Skoufis $1,106

4th Kristian Willumsen $790

5th Scott Andrews $632

6th Wayne De Vries $474

7th Glenn Eismontas $395

8th Martin Kozlov $316

9th Sean Dunwoodie $237

Day 2 will bring plenty of fun with the $100 No Limit Holdem with Rebuys event expected to draw another big crowd and healthy prize pool. Head down to the Crown Poker Room to be a part of it, or stay logged into PokerNetwork for the latest news and results from the 2009 Melbourne Poker Championships.

PokerNetwork is home to one of the most active poker forums online. With all the latest online poker news from both Australia and around the world, PokerNetwork is your home for the latest and greatest offers.